Kristen Eide and Betsy Bryant look over the menu while standing in line at Torchy's Tacos on Sunday, April 22, 2012 in Houston, TX. ( J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle )

Kristen Eide and Betsy Bryant look over the menu while standing in line at Torchy's Tacos on Sunday, April 22, 2012 in Houston, TX. ( J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle )

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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Entrance of Torchy's Tacos-River Oaks.

Entrance of Torchy's Tacos-River Oaks.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Elisa Moran enjoys a Dirty Sanchez taco Torchy's Tacos-River Oaks.

Elisa Moran enjoys a Dirty Sanchez taco Torchy's Tacos-River Oaks.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Torchy's vs. Texas Taco: Is the devil in the Diablo Sauce?

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When it comes to tacos, you can take your flattery and stuff it in a corn tortilla. That’s the message Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos has for Baytown-born Texas Taco Company.

The Houston Press reported this week that Torchy’s, which has three stores (and counting) in Houston, has filed suit against Texas Taco Company.

In a release sent to local media, Torchy’s director of marketing Brittany Platt had this to say:

For some weeks, Torchy’s has received numerous inquiries regarding Texas Taco Company, a new taco franchise in the Houston area whose menu and food products appear to be the same or strikingly similar to Torchy’s. Many have asked whether Texas Taco Company is affiliated with Torchy’s. Torchy’s would like to set the record straight and prevent any further consumer confusion in this regard: Torchy’s has no affiliation with Texas Taco Company or its related parties.
Torchy’s has filed a lawsuit against Texas Taco Company in state district court in Houston. Further announcements will be made as the case transpires.

MR. ORANGE
Blackened salmon topped with grilled corn and black bean relish, queso fresco and cilantro. Drizzled with AVOCADO SAUCE then served with a wedge of lime on a corn tortilla.
THE DEMOCRAT
Shredded beef barbacoa topped with fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onions & a wedge of lime. Served with TOMATILLO SAUCE on a fresh corn tortilla.

The two restaurant chains also are like-minded when it comes to condiments; both serve a spicy liquid topping known as Diablo Sauce.